Washington, DC – A 2017 graduate of Saint Peter’s University was one of seven DACA recipients arrested at the offices of Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), last Friday while calling on the Congress members to act on their promises to support the situation of Dreamers through Congressional action. After being detained, the group began a “jail strike,” withholding identifiable information from police, forcing detention and risking deportation until their demand is met.

After five days in jail on hunger strike, three were released on December 19, including Li Adorno, Saint Peter’s college graduate, with the remainder released the following day.

Since their arrest on Friday, the “Dream 7” and their ally have activated thousands of supporters and sparked national and local media attention, including coverage from Telemundo, Univision, and Democracy Now!. Immigrants and allies have organized over 30 solidarity vigils and actions across the country and called on their members of Congress to meet the activists’ demands. Earlier this week, Senator Hirono (D-HI) answered their call for #NoDreamNoDeal and confirmed that she will vote against any year-end spending bill that does not include protection for Dreamers.

“The reality is that legislators don’t see the Dream Act as a priority. They’ve let our lives hang in the balance for 16 years. They never deliver, so why would I believe another promise? Every day they wait, my community is at risk for detention and deportation,” said Adorno upon his release.

“When I got my DACA my life changed around and gave me the boost I needed. It gave me the courage to leave the crazy jobs and the bosses that took advantage of people in my situation,” Adorno shared via social media prior to his arrest. “I was able to get a better job, return to school, and find more undocumented students who encouraged me to join the movement and connected me with mentors that helped me become a better student.”